Lansford names new councilman

A former employee is Lansford’s new borough council member.

William Chuma, who has 10 years of experience as a former employee of the street department, was selected from among three candidates for the seat vacated by the resignation of Joseph Butrie.

Butrie resigned last month, citing health reasons.

Other candidates for the seat were former councilman Martin Ditsky and resident Ronald Derr Jr.

The vote for Chuma was by a 4-2 margin with Marie Ondrus and Irma Leibensperger opposed.

Leibensperger initially nominated Ditsky, but the motion died for the lack of a second.

Bruce Markovich then made the nomination for Chuma and John Turcmanovich seconded it.

Attorney Michael Greek, the borough’s solicitor, administered the oath of office to Chuma at the beginning of the meeting and he immediately took his seat at the council table.

Butrie’s term on council was set to expire at the end of this year. He was not seeking re-election.

There are four four-year seats on council up for grabs in this year’s general election. Those seats are being sought by four Republicans and two Democrats.

Chuma and Ditsky are among the Republicans vying for the seats. Others on the GOP ticket are incumbents Markovich and Turcmanovich.

Democrats seeking seats on the council in this year’s election are Mary Soberick and Lou Labosky.